Abstract:
The dispersal of algae by wind within Antarctica was investigated by testing four techniques for detecting viable algae in the air: 1) High through put 'jet' spore samples, 2) Clinical monitors, 3) Liquid impinger and 4) Tauber traps. Air was sampled from Scott Base, the Ross Ice Shelf (at a site east of a line between Cape Crozier on Ross Island and White Island) and Victoria Valley (west end of ... Lake Vida). Snow drifts were also sampled from the Ross Ice Shelf as they were considered to be natural long term particle traps. Samples were also taken of visible algal growths on soils, in streams and in ponds in the vicinity of Scott Base. Soil samples were removed from the driest surfaces where no vegetation was visible. Cultures established from these were used to indicate the composition of the local algal flora for comparison with airborne species. In Victoria Valley, an extensive survey of the aquatic and terrestrial algae in the valley and along some of the ridges and upper valley sides was completed for knowledge of local sources of airborne propagules for comparison with the air samples.

Description:
The algae culture collection is stored in a -20 freezer at the Molecular Laboratory and Allan Herbarium at Landcare Research, New Zealand. The lab has PC2 containment and transfers have to be done according to Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) protocol. Contact Phil Novis: NovisP@landcareresearch.co.nz for more information.

Quality
The data is very well described and documented in the publications. Some cultures may still exist and are held by Landcare Research, New Zealand. The quality of these cultures is unknown. Field notebooks, diaries, etc are retained by the investigator.

Access Constraints
If the cultures are wanted to be transeferred from Landcare Research, the receiving lab needs to have the necessary containment certification (i.e. PC2 containment) and transfers have to be done according to MAF protocol. Otherwise the work needs to be done in the Landcare Research Molecular lab